On Sunday, 12th April 2026, our Samman community came together for a truly special Support Group Meeting, and what an afternoon it turned out to be – with over 40 members joining in.

We watched segments from a video podcast featuring Dr. Mani in conversation with Fatima Sana Shaikh. Watching it together made all the difference as there was curiosity, reflection, and many moments where people felt seen and understood. What followed was even more powerful.

Members, both persons with epilepsy and caregivers, opened up about their own journeys. The discussion naturally flowed into themes that deeply affect everyday life:

• anxiety around seizures
• identifying and managing triggers
• navigating medications
• the importance of support systems
• and the impact of sharing real stories to build awareness

It was heartening to see how openly people spoke, listened, and supported one another.

We were also delighted to have Dr. Pravina Shah join us briefly over Zoom to greet everyone, adding a special touch to the gathering.

The session concluded with a meaningful activity: making our “Purple Promises.” Each participant committed to one small, actionable step toward better self-care and well-being. Each person also chose someone from the group who would gently remind them to stay on track.

And of course, no Samman meeting is complete without a bit of fun and food! The make-your-own nimbu-paani activity, along with snacks and cake, brought smiles all around and gave everyone a chance to unwind and connect informally.

But perhaps the most lasting takeaway was the shift we are seeing in our community in that, there was more openness, more courage, and more willingness to speak about epilepsy without hesitation.

Our long-time member Santosh shared: “Today’s meeting was energetic for me… people are increasingly interested in chatting openly on epilepsy which is the best part.”

And a younger member Deepesh echoed: “Amazing meeting today. It’s interesting to see more people open up and talk about their life stories and experiences.”

Their thoughts as well as this support group meeting reminded us that the most powerful step forward is simply sitting together and saying—you’re not alone in this.